Newcastle firm Krellian among innovators in Sage programme
Krellian, which helps managers meet their net-zero targets by optimising space utilisation and reducing energy consumption, is one of the companies selected.
The programme, powered by the Sage Foundation, was launched in November 2024 to support under-represented businesses addressing the world’s most pressing problems.
Krellian founder Ben Francis (Image: Supplied)
The first call for applications received more than 200 responses from businesses building solutions at the intersection of sustainability and social impact.
This included community carbon markets, clean agritech, disaster prevention, and energy conservation.
The selected businesses were assessed on their mission, business model, and ability to translate vision into impact.
They are working to address critical social and environmental challenges within their communities.The Newcastle offices of Sage (Image: Supplied)
For example, Carbix Corporation in the US is working to transform carbon emissions into raw concrete materials for a cleaner construction industry.
Omma from the UK creates on-farm insect rearing systems that offer a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
Similarly, Insail from Spain develops wind-powered solutions for clean maritime transport, and Turnee from France helps redirect returned products directly to new buyers, reducing the carbon footprint of shopping returns.
The panel that selected these 56 startups consisted of 19 members, with seven being from Sage’s leadership team.
External members included senior executives from climate-focused venture capital firms and companies, and racial equity non-profits.
The United States had the most entries into the programme, with 28 selected companies.
They are followed by the UK (21), Spain (3), Portugal (2), and France (2).
The selected companies have been divided into a Core Cohort, which will receive tailored mentorship, funding, and product access; and a Community Cohort, which will receive access to Village Capital’s learning solutions and investment-readiness tools.
All startups will receive support for up to two years after the programme has ended to continue to help to scale their impact.
Elinor Wakefield, CEO and co-founder of climate-i, said: “Climate-i is delighted to have been selected for the programme, and to have access to Village Capital and Sage’s expertise and network.
“We grew out of an accelerator in 2023 and know how motivating it is to be part of a well-supported, impact-focused cohort.
“We’ll be using this to develop and commercialise our technology to capture leaks of SF6, the world’s most potent greenhouse gas, from the electricity grid.”
Helen Devanny, vice president of Sage Foundation, said: “We are so impressed by the calibre of the companies and entrepreneurs that applied, and are proud to be kicking off this programme with these 56 startups.
“The scale of the problems they’ve chosen to solve is immense, but that is what makes their work even more meaningful and urgent.
“We’re proud to be putting our technology, skills, and resources behind these purpose-driven leaders in service of a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow.”
Allie Burns, CEO of Village Capital, said: “Early-stage founders are at the forefront of tackling urgent social and environmental challenges, bringing bold ideas and innovative business models to drive meaningful change.
“We’re excited to support these entrepreneurs, learn from their journeys, and help them scale their impact.”